Good question to ask! Your T seems typical in his approach, as it is you who must direct the T in the direction you wish to begin.

I think your making of a list is a good thing, why not go ahead and try to discuss those things anyway, perhaps the reason you put them there will rear it's head while in session. The T will at least see some of the issues you are dealing with in your life, even if you don't fully discuss them. Plus, bringing up one thing on the list might lead to an important issue that you didn't write down.

If you really want more direction from your T, you might have to actually ask for it and help the T guide you that way. Many Ts are not used to directing the session, but guiding.

It takes talking to the T about anything sometimes for the T to see if you have "cognitive distortions" or if you are viewing your life and responding accurately.

IMO it wouldn't do you or the T any good for the T to assume for example, that you aren't assessing some part of your life correctly, when your real issue is your aging mother.

Keep at it, you'll figure it out